Broncos Waive Johnson, Carter & Garland

ENGELWOOD, Colo. - The Denver Broncos have to trim their roster down to the final 53 guys today. Well, 55 guys, because T.J. Ward and Derek Wolfe won't count against the roster while they're suspended.

Word has leaked on the Broncos initial cuts today. Three guys on the outside looking in are veteran inside linebacker Steven Johnson, cornerback Tony Carter and guard Ben Garland. Garland comes as no surprise. Since he lost his starting job at left guard, he's been on the bubble, due to his lack of versatility.

The signing of Evan Mathis sealed Garland's fate. The rookie Max Garcia can play anywhere on the offensive line, making him the no-brainer guy to keep. Garland has been a boon to the team, both inside the locker room and in the community.

Johnson's release does come as a surprise, however. The former 2012 undrafted free agent played very well in training camp and throughout the preseason. In tandem with Todd Davis, Johnson served as the Broncos first-team ILB, while Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall were rehabbing from their respective offseason surgeries.

Johnson could very well get picked up by John Fox and the Chicago Bears. Carter's fate was doomed when the Broncos drafted two cornerbacks in the draft this past May. Look for him to catch on in Chicago or Oakland, with two former coaches.

The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys have reportedly been interested in the former Wisconsin Badger. If the Broncos fail to find a trade partner, they'll keep Ball, but expect him to be a gameday inactive.

The team still has several moves to go to get down to 53.

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Chad Jensen is the Publisher of Mile High Huddle. You can find him on Twitter @ChadNJensen and on Google+